Higher Education Should be a Right

Education as a Right Every American citizen is guaranteed the right to an education. Taxpayers fund tuition free primary and secondary level schooling for every American child. Students who wish to pursue further education must pay steep tuitions to go to colleges or universities. Very few students are able to get a higher level education for free through scholarships or financial aid packages and therefore many Americans have to handle the burden of taking out student loans. Additionally, many students go directly into the workforce to begin to make money quicker, even though they are not reaching their full academic potential or maximum productivity. In order to promote long run economic growth, it is crucial that every generation becomes progressively more educated. How can our nation expect to raise the standard of welfare and economic status when students are limited in their abilities to further their education?

Importance of Education Education is a main factor in facilitating the advancement of a nation’s economy. Workers are more productive when they specialize in a particular field and become extremely knowledgeable. Increased productivity leads to an increased level of national output and benefits the welfare of American citizens. Promoting and encouraging students to reach higher levels of education is critical for the wellbeing of the nation.

Personal Effects of a Student Loans Education is viewed as a priority, but the finances necessary to achieve a higher education are unrealistic for many American families. Students should not feel ashamed to apply for financial aid or scholarships, since it is impractical for many families to allot a high percentage of their incomes for what is technically a commodity. In America, the average tuition for a private institution is $32,405 per year and the median household income is $51,939. At this price it is practically impossible for a family to afford to send their child to college without additional aid. For this reason, the higher class citizens make up the majority of students attending private institutions while those who come from less wealthy backgrounds either attend public schools or do not attend college. In addition, students who prioritize getting a higher education and take out student loans are responsible for paying back their loans. This makes it difficult for students once they graduate from a college or university to buy a house, car, or save for retirement. Additionally, student loans create a vicious cycle. It takes time to pay off the loan and, therefore, many individuals have limited money to save for higher education for their own children, and the cycle continues.

Effects of Student Loans at a Federal Level The high tuition costs for universities and colleges wreak havoc on the federal government. Many of the loans are not paid back which increases the debt of America. The nation’s debt from loans alone is approximately $1.3 trillion, increasing $2,726.27 every second. This number is a massive issue for the federal government because they are not receiving their money back, and the amount they owe is ever growing. The government is put in a difficult situation because, if they stop loaning money, students will not get an education and help grow the economy. However, if they continue to loan money, the economy will worsen and the national debt will continue to increase exponentially. Are there any solutions to this national issue?

A Potential Solution Many people have generated potential ways to mend this issue. One plan that has been gaining a lot of national attention is Senator Bernie Sanders’ idea to create free college education. This has been a major focus of his presidential campaign and has sparked a lot of curiosity. Since this would involve expansion of the size and power of the government, many conservatives are opposed to this concept of free education. While on the other hand, more left winged citizens and politicians are open to trying this idea. America is a democracy and is fueled by opposing forces with a common goal, but no one knows if free education in America is a viable reality. Would it cost less for the government to fund college than it costs the government to pay back student loans? There is no clear solution, but it is critical that American students take every opportunity given to them to gain knowledge for their own good, and the good of their nation.

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